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AI Search for Small Businesses: 5 Actionable Steps

AI Search for Small Businesses: 5 Actionable Steps

by | Jun 3, 2025 | AI Search, Google

AI Search Is Changing the Game: 5 Actionable Steps Small Businesses Can Take to Boost Visibility

Getting found by local customers is more competitive than ever. Most Google and Maps searches are short—just 1–4 keywords (“chiropractor near me,” “best pediatric dentist”). But with the rise of AI search engines like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Claude, users are now searching with much longer, more detailed queries—often 6–15+ keywords.AI Search

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how people discover local businesses online. Tools like Perplexity, ChatGPT, Claude, and AI-powered Google search are reshaping the digital landscape, surfacing direct answers and recommendations—often before users even see traditional website links. For small businesses, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity: how do you ensure your business is visible and trusted by these new AI-driven platforms?

The good news: you don’t need to be a tech giant to compete. By taking a few strategic steps, your small business can improve its chances of being found and recommended by AI search engines. Here’s how:

1. Optimize Your Website for Local and AI Search

AI search engines, like their traditional counterparts, rely on clear, well-structured websites to understand what your business offers. But AI also looks for certain technical and content signals:

  • Structure and Navigation: Make sure your website is easy to navigate, with service-specific pages (e.g., “Emergency Dentistry in [City]” or “IT Support for Small Businesses”). Display your name, address, and phone number (NAP) on every page for consistency.

  • Schema Markup: Use structured data (schema markup) to help AI and search engines easily interpret your business details, services, reviews, and FAQs. Free tools like Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper can make this process straightforward.

  • Mobile Optimization and Speed: Ensure your site loads quickly and looks great on mobile devices. AI search engines prioritize user experience, so fast, responsive websites rank higher.

  • Security: Secure your site with HTTPS to build trust with both users and AI platforms.

2. Claim and Enhance Your Business Listings

AI platforms often pull information from trusted, structured sources like Google Business Profile, Yelp, Bing Places, and industry directories. Make sure your listings are:

  • Complete and Accurate: Fill out every field, including business categories, services, hours, and high-quality images.

  • Consistent: Your NAP should match exactly across all platforms. Inconsistent information can hurt your credibility with AI algorithms.

  • Optimized for Questions: Use the Q&A or FAQ sections in your listings to answer common customer queries directly and clearly. This helps AI surface your business in response to specific questions (“Where can I get teeth whitening near me?”).

3. Create High-Quality, AI-Friendly Content

AI search engines reward content that is detailed, helpful, and structured for easy parsing:

  • Answer Real Questions: Focus on what your customers are actually asking. Use headings and bullet points to break up information, and provide direct, concise answers.

  • Long-Form and In-Depth: Don’t just skim the surface—cover topics comprehensively. In-depth guides, service pages, and FAQs not only help your audience but also signal authority to AI.

  • Conversational Keywords: Incorporate natural, long-tail keywords and phrases that reflect how people speak, especially for voice search (e.g., “How do I book a dental cleaning?”).

  • Regular Updates: Keep your content current. Update older posts and pages to reflect new services, trends, and frequently asked questions.

4. Build and Showcase a Strong Online Reputation

AI search engines increasingly factor in your business’s reputation when deciding what to recommend:

  • Encourage Reviews: Ask happy customers to leave reviews on Google, Yelp, and other platforms. Positive reviews boost your credibility and can directly impact your visibility in AI-driven searches. User generated content (UCG) plays a huge role in Google Search and AI Search as a whole.

  • Respond to Feedback: Reply to reviews and questions promptly. This shows engagement and reliability—qualities that AI and potential customers both value.

  • Feature Testimonials: Display authentic testimonials and case studies on your website and social media to reinforce trust.

5. Strengthen Local Authority and Diversify Your Content

AI models look for signals that your business is a trusted part of the local community and an authority in your field:

  • Earn Backlinks: Seek mentions and backlinks from local organizations, industry associations, news outlets, and community partners. These links signal authority and relevance to AI search engines.

  • Participate in Community: Sponsor local events, collaborate with other businesses, or contribute to local blogs and news sites. Make sure your involvement is mentioned online.

  • Diversify Formats: AI can process more than just text. Create videos, infographics, and visual content to reach broader audiences and improve your chances of being featured in AI-powered search results.

Embracing the Future of AI Search

AI search isn’t a passing trend—it’s the new standard for how people find businesses online. By optimizing your website, business listings, content, reputation, and local authority, you can position your small business to be discovered and trusted by both AI platforms and real customers.

Start with these five steps, and you’ll be well on your way to future-proofing your digital presence—no matter how search evolves next.

Need help navigating AI search optimization for your small business?
Our team at Harris & Ward specializes in helping healthcare practices and small businesses grow online. Reach out today to learn how we can help you thrive in the age of AI search.